The Berks Cares Vaccine Center in Muhlenberg Township will be closing July 31, 2021, due to declining demand for the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Berks Cares Vaccine Center is a public health collaborative lead by the County of Berks and the Berks Community Health Center to ensure that all residents are able to access the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and strengthen our community.
The Berks Cares Vaccine Center has helped fill accessibility gaps for the COVID-19 vaccine since it opened its doors at the North Reading Plaza, 5370 Allentown Pike, on May 3, 2021. However, now that the COVID-19 vaccine is readily available from many healthcare providers throughout the County, the County Commissioners and Berks Community Health Center leaders believe it is financially prudent to end operations of this community vaccination center at the end of July.
“Looking at the number of vaccines being administered on a daily basis and the expense, we believe it is the best interest of everyone involved to close the Center on July 31,” Commissioner Kevin S. Barnhardt said. “The County is proud of the operation we set up, but the reality is that the need for a large vaccination center no longer exists. The teamwork from our various community partners to make this happen was incredible.”
The Commissioners are encouraging all residents who are interested in getting the COVID-19 vaccine to take advantage of the Berks Cares Vaccine Center while it is still operational. The Berks Cares Vaccine Center will stop first doses for Moderna and Pfizer on Friday, July 2nd, so that all patients are able to receive their first and second doses from the Center. The one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be available until July 31.
“The Berks Cares Vaccine Center can do up to 1,600 vaccinations a day,” Commissioner Kevin S. Barnhardt said. “We believe everyone that is interested and willing to get the COVID-19 vaccine can come out in the next few weeks to get it from the Berks Cares Vaccine Center.”
To sign up for an appointment, interested residents can utilize the online scheduling portal at www.doyourpartberks.com/vaccinecenter. The Berks Cares Vaccine Center is also able to accept walk-in vaccination. The hours for each week can be found at the above website.
The County also continues to maintain a database of COVID-19 vaccination opportunities through its Do Your Part Berks website.
The Berks Cares Vaccine Call Center, managed by Co-County Wellness Services, will also be closing July 31, but will continue to help interested residents schedule appointments at the Berks Cares Vaccine Center and other vaccine providers in the County. The Call Center can be reached Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM at 1-888-712-2772.
